Where history dates back to almost 5000 years, India is well-known for its rich cultural heritage and past. There were multiple dynasties which ruled India during different time span. From the Cholas to the Chalukyas to the Mauryas to the Mughals and the British, every single dynasty hasn’t failed to leave a mark on the soil of India in the form of architectural wonders which today has become the apple of every tourist’s eyes. From magnificent and huge forts in Rajasthan to historical monuments in Delhi to the rock temples and carvings in Dravidian temples in the South, India is a masterpiece for the architecture lovers. The list is endless when you sit to jot down the numerous architectural sites in this country.

If you’re someone who loves everything about architecture and you love to explore architectural sites, here is an awesome list of some of the best places to pay a visit during your India tour. Check them out.

#1: Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi

This was a garden-tomb and it was one of its kind in India which reflects the architectural style of the Mughals. This specific tomb was built in the memory of Humayun in the year 1569 by his grieving widow Banu Begum. This tomb is an epitome of true Mughal architecture with its clean water channels, garden squares and the double-domed mausoleum which is located right at the middle of Charbagh. This is even called a Mini-Taj. Many are not aware of the fact that the Taj Mahal was built after Humayun’s Tomb and the former is actually inspired by the layout of the latter.

#2: Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

This is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and hence the list wouldn’t be complete without this one. The Taj Mahal is also a mausoleum built over 22 long years during the 17th century by Shah Jahan, the emperor for his wife Mumtaz. It is a replica of a perfect combination of Indo-Islamic and Hindu architecture. There is the humongous white marble terrace on which is located the famous marble dome. The dome is accompanied by 4 tapering minarets and inside the dome lays the bejewelled cenotaph of the deceased Mumtaz Begum.

Image Source : http://webneel.com/taj-mahal

#3: Nalanda Ruins, Bihar

In Bihar, Nalanda was an ancient center for higher studies and this University of Nalanda is located in Bihar, the Indian state which was home to Buddhist center of learning. The huge library of Nalanda University was so vast that it was reported to have burnt for 3 long months when the cruel invaders set fire on it. They destroyed all the related monasteries and drove away the monks from the site.

#4: Lotus Temple

This temple is also known as the Bahai Temple and it was constructed in the year 1986 and it was famous for bringing together several religious faiths on one platform. The architecture of the temple shows the shape of a half-open lotus flower. This structure is made up of white marble and it includes 3 sets of 9 Lotus petals. Within these 9 petals lies the meditation hall where people of any religious faith and visit to pray. 9 pools of water surround the 9 petals and this view looks splendid at night. It was an Iranian-Canadian architect, Fariburz Sahba whose brainchild was the design of the Lotus Temple.

Image Source : https://www.flickr.com/photos/munishc/4826945575

So, if you’re an architecture lover, what are you waiting for? Just book your tickets to the favorite place you wish to visit from the list given above. Don’t forget to take some memorable portraits with your family which can help you cherish the trip forever.